Undeniably, the prolonged pandemic has had a multifaceted and substantial impact on the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents. Research has found a 2-fold increase in the global prevalence of depression and anxiety in these age groups. This mental distress can develop into a long-term problem if early intervention cannot be carried out. To promote children’s mental wellbeing, foster mental resilience against adversity, and develop an appreciation for performing arts through exposure and experience, the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) invited The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts to join hands. Via the Student Recruitment and Community Engagement Office (SRCE), the result was the “Merry Go Around HKAPA” project, which offered art-indulging and fun-filled activities for over 600 children from underprivileged families from August to December 2022.

Accompanied by the lovely mythical creature ‘Merry’, these children were taken on a unique journey of performing arts exploration and self-discovery at the Academy’s Wanchai Main Campus through activities such as campus tours, stage art and design workshops, and introductory ballet workshops. All our participants were excited to dive into the wonderful and diversified world of performing arts. Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, was grateful that HKAPA brought local children into the world of performing arts and helped realise their vision of all-round development.

The Student Recruitment and Community Engagement Office works with the six Schools of the Academy to deliver various education outreach projects and community engagement activities. We look forward to more opportunities to support performing arts education and appreciation while better understanding the needs of underprivileged groups in Hong Kong.